Chapter Overview
Political parties are among the most visible institutions of democracy. They organise political competition, present policies, contest elections, form governments and connect citizens with government machinery.
1. What is a Political Party?
A political party is a group of people who come together to contest elections and hold power in the government. They agree on some policies and programmes for society and seek popular support through elections to implement them.
Three Components
Leaders
Party leaders who guide the organisation and take important political decisions.
Active Members
Members who participate actively in party organisation and activities.
Followers
Citizens and supporters who identify with and support a party.
2. Functions of Political Parties
Political parties fill political offices and exercise political power by performing several functions.
1. Contest Elections
Parties select and put forward candidates to contest elections.
2. Policies & Programmes
They put forward different policies and programmes so voters can choose among alternatives.
3. Make Laws
Most legislators belong to parties and generally follow party directions in law-making.
4. Form & Run Government
Parties recruit political leaders and form governments after winning support.
5. Opposition
Parties that lose elections criticise the government and present alternative views.
6. Shape Public Opinion
Parties raise issues, mobilise activists and help shape public discussion.
7. Link Citizens & Government
Party leaders and workers can provide citizens access to government machinery and welfare schemes.
3. How Many Parties Should We Have?
The chapter explains three broad party systems.
| System | Meaning | Example in the chapter |
|---|---|---|
| One-party | Only one party is allowed to control and run the government; free competition for power is absent. | China |
| Two-party | Two main parties have a serious chance of winning and forming government, though other parties may exist. | USA, UK |
| Multi-party | Several parties have a reasonable chance of coming to power alone or through alliances. | India |
Alliance / Front
When several parties in a multi-party system join hands to contest elections and seek power, it is called an alliance or front. Coalition governments can result from such arrangements.
The chapter stresses that there is no single ideal party system for every country. Party systems evolve according to social divisions, history, political conditions and the electoral system.
4. Popular Participation in Political Parties
Political parties are often criticised and are among the least trusted institutions in many democracies. However, the chapter points out that low trust does not necessarily mean low participation.
- In South Asia, political parties generally do not enjoy high levels of public trust.
- Political parties are among the least trusted institutions in many democracies.
- Despite this, participation in party activities in India has been fairly high.
- The proportion reporting membership of political parties in India increased over the period discussed in the chapter.
- The proportion of people saying they feel close to a political party also increased over that period.
5. Political Parties in India
National and State Parties
In a federal democracy, some parties have a presence across many states while others have their main organisational and electoral strength in particular states. In India, the latter are commonly called regional parties, though the chapter notes that a State party need not have a purely regional ideology.
| National-level party | State / Regional party |
|---|---|
| Has units in several states and follows nationally decided policies and strategies. | Recognised primarily on the basis of performance in a particular state; may also have a broader organisation or outlook. |
| Can contest and organise across the country. | Often represents important regional interests and contributes to federal political competition. |
Role of State Parties
The chapter explains that the growth of State parties has made Parliament more politically diverse. Since 1996, State parties have repeatedly participated in national-level coalition governments. Their presence has contributed to the working of federalism and democratic representation.
6. Major National Parties & Their Ideologies
The current Class 10 treatment of this chapter includes six recognised national parties: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], Indian National Congress (INC), and National People’s Party (NPP). The descriptions below follow the chapter’s framing; they are not independent political ratings. citeturn3search0turn3search7
| Party | Ideological / political themes described in the chapter | Key chapter points |
|---|---|---|
| Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) | Accountability, clean administration, transparency and good governance. | Formed in 2012 following the anti-corruption movement; formed governments in Delhi and Punjab in the chapter's account. |
| Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) | Representation and political empowerment of the Bahujan Samaj, including Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs and religious minorities; welfare of Dalits and oppressed people. | Draws inspiration from Sahu Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, Periyar Ramaswami Naicker and B.R. Ambedkar. |
| Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | Strong and modern India; draws on India's ancient culture and values, Deendayal Upadhyaya's ideas of Integral Humanism and Antyodaya; cultural nationalism / Hindutva is identified as an important element in its conception of Indian nationhood and politics. | The chapter also discusses its positions on national integration, uniform civil code and religious conversions. |
| Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] | Marxism-Leninism; socialism, secularism and democracy; opposition to imperialism and communalism; socio-economic justice. | The chapter notes its acceptance of democratic elections as a means of pursuing socio-economic justice and its strong historical support in West Bengal, Kerala and Tripura. |
| Indian National Congress (INC) | Centrist orientation; secularism; welfare of weaker sections and minorities; support for economic reforms with a “human face”. | Founded in 1885; the chapter describes its role in building a modern, secular and democratic republic and its broad national presence. |
| National People’s Party (NPP) | Education, employment and empowerment for all. | Formed in 2013 under P.A. Sangma; the chapter identifies it as the first national party from North-East India. |
7. Latest ECI Criteria for Recognition as a National Party
The Election Commission of India’s Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, as currently applicable, provides three alternative routes to national-party recognition. A party needs to satisfy any one of these routes. citeturn0search7turn0search8
Route 1 — 6% Votes + 4 Lok Sabha Seats
The party's candidates must secure at least 6% of the total valid votes in each of four or more States at the relevant last general election to the Lok Sabha or the Legislative Assembly of the State concerned, and the party must return at least 4 members to the Lok Sabha.
Route 2 — 2% of Lok Sabha Seats
The party must win at least 2% of the total seats in the Lok Sabha, with its elected members coming from at least 3 States.
Current 543-seat Lok Sabha: 2% = 10.86, so this threshold works out to 11 seats.
Route 3 — State Party in 4 States
The party is recognised as a State Party in at least four States.
Easy Memory Formula
| Route | Vote requirement | Seat / status requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ≥ 6% valid votes in each of 4+ States | ≥ 4 Lok Sabha seats |
| 2 | No separate vote-share condition | ≥ 2% of total Lok Sabha seats, elected from ≥ 3 States |
| 3 | No separate national vote-share condition | Recognised State Party in ≥ 4 States |
Current status: The Election Commission's official material lists six recognised national parties: AAP, BSP, BJP, CPI(M), INC and NPP. citeturn1search10turn0search10
8. Party Recognition by the Election Commission
Every political party must register with the Election Commission of India. The Election Commission provides special facilities to recognised parties, including reserved election symbols subject to the applicable rules.
Recognition Concepts Used in the Textbook
- Registered party: A party registered with the Election Commission.
- Recognised State party: A party satisfying prescribed electoral performance conditions in a State.
- Recognised National party: A party satisfying prescribed conditions across the country or multiple states.
7. Major Challenges to Political Parties
The chapter identifies four major challenges.
1. Lack of Internal Democracy
Power can become concentrated in the hands of a few leaders. Ordinary members may not receive enough information, opportunities or influence in decision-making.
2. Dynastic Succession
Top positions can become controlled by members of one family. This can reduce opportunities for ordinary party workers and weaken internal competition.
3. Money & Muscle Power
Parties can face pressure from wealthy candidates and donors. Candidates with criminal connections or the capacity to use force can also gain influence.
4. Lack of Meaningful Choice
Sometimes parties appear similar in policies or offer limited alternatives, reducing the meaningful choice available to voters.
8. What Can Be Done? Political Reforms
The chapter discusses several reform measures and limitations of relying only on laws.
- The Constitution was amended to prevent elected representatives from changing parties merely for personal political gain; this is associated with the anti-defection law.
- The Supreme Court made it mandatory for candidates to file affidavits disclosing information about property and criminal cases, among other details required by law.
- The Election Commission has issued organisational and electoral directions intended to improve party functioning.
- Citizens, pressure groups and movements can put pressure on parties to reform.
- Parties themselves can develop better internal procedures, transparency and participation.
9. Quick Revision — Exam Focus
- A political party is a group that contests elections and seeks to hold government power.
- Three components: leaders, active members and followers.
- Seven functions: contest elections, policies, laws, government, opposition, public opinion, citizen access.
- One-party, two-party and multi-party systems are the three broad types discussed.
- India has a multi-party system.
- Party systems evolve according to society, history, political conditions and electoral arrangements.
- State parties have strengthened political diversity and have participated in national coalitions.
- Political parties may have low public trust but can still have substantial participation.
- Four major challenges: lack of internal democracy, dynastic succession, money and muscle power, and lack of meaningful choice.
- Reforms include the anti-defection law, candidate affidavits, Election Commission measures and pressure from citizens and movements.
10. Interactive MCQ Quiz
Select one option for each question and click Check Score.
11. Chapter Summary
Political parties are essential institutions of representative democracy. They contest elections, present policies, make laws, form governments, act as opposition, shape public opinion and connect citizens with government. Democracies can have one-party, two-party or multi-party systems; India has developed a multi-party system because of its social and geographical diversity. State parties contribute to political representation and federalism. At the same time, political parties face challenges including weak internal democracy, dynastic succession, money and muscle power and limited meaningful choice. Reforms through laws, Election Commission measures, courts, citizen pressure and internal party change can strengthen democratic functioning.